Every year people die in house fires, usually from inhaling toxic smoke and fumes. Most household fires are accidental and preventable.
 
If a fire starts in your home, leave and call triple zero (000) immediately. Do not try to beat the fire as this increases oxygen flow causing it to spread.  
 
Remember, fire is fast! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames.

Learn more about fire risks and safety

Plan ahead

You can take steps to minimise the risk of fires in your home. You can:
 

• Install mains powered smoke alarms;
• Change the batteries in other smoke alarms once every year;
• Develop and practice an escape plan with your household members, planning two exits for each room;
• Teach children not to hide from firefighters;
• Be alert when cooking - never leave food unattended;
• Never leave children unattended in the kitchen, or with candles, matches or lighters;
• Never leave lit candles or cigarettes unattended;
• Keep a fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen at least 1 metre away from your stove;
• Only purchase fire blankets and extinguishers that meet Australian Standards and make sure that you and your family know how and when to use these items;
• Never use water to put out fat or oil fires; water may cause the fire to rise and spread rapidly;
• Guard open fires with a fine mesh screen;
• Clean chimneys and flues regularly from built-up ash and soot;
• Don't overload power boards, keep them free of dust and don't put items on top of them;
• Only use qualified tradesmen when installing heating or electrical systems.

Stay safe during a fire

It is important to take responsible action during a fire to keep yourself and your family safe.
 

• If a fire starts in your home, leave immediately and call 000;
• Crawl low under any smoke;
• Before opening a door, feel the door and doorknob – if either is hot, use your second exit;
• Remember, do not re-enter a burning house under any circumstances;
• If you can’t get out, call 000 and stay on the line for advice, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors with cloth or tape to keep smoke out;
• Know what to do if a person’s clothing catches on fire: Stop, Drop, Cover and Roll;
• If pets are trapped inside your home, tell firefighters right away;
• Alert your neighbours.

Be careful after a fire

Even if you have put the fire out, still call the fire department to check the environment for risks. You should also:
 

• Wait until authorities have declared the house safe before entering;
• Contact your insurance company;
• Conduct an inventory of damaged property and items – and do not throw away any damaged goods until after an inventory is made;
• Begin saving receipts for any money you spend related to fire loss as you may need these for your insurance company and for verifying any losses claimed on your income tax.